Response from Kohler

To date, I have receieved only one response from Kohler on this matter. I have followed up with them repeatedly, and below the break is my most recent request to repair the damaged generator, as well as Eric Hansen of Kohler Power’s response to my original inquiry.

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November 14, 2006

Subject: Generator Serial XXXXXX

Dear Mr. B.,

We have reviewed your request for consideration for replacement of the weather housing on your 70RZ, S/N XXXXXX. This unit was factory tested on 3-10-1998 and is currently more than 8 years old. We have no record of when this unit was placed into service as there was no start-up notification filed with our office. Our records indicate that the unit was sold with a one year warranty which expired on 3-10-1999. Our determination for the consideration of compensation for the replacement panels is based on additional factors including:

• Your seaside location as shown in your photos is subject to a harsh saltwater corrosive environment.

• We are uncertain of the care the generator received prior to your purchasing the home 4 years ago.

• The housing appears to have physical damage not due to corrosion.

• The generator appears to be physically located in an area that would hold moisture which would accelerate the corrosion.

In consideration of the above information, we are unable to honor your request.

Kohler Power Systems works hard to provide quality products to our customers. It’s my opinion that we meet that goal everyday. Sometimes, external conditions affect a product in the field, that’s out of our control. I believe that conditions well beyond the control of Kohler Power Systems have caused the cosmetic damage to your unit.

As a good will gesture we will provide a 20% reimbursement for any replacement housing components purchased from Kraft Power Corporation in the next 120 days. If you choose to accept our offer, please provide to me a copy of the invoice for the parts and labor. Please send this information direct to my attention and I will process for payment to you. [Except Kohler did not make an aluminum housing for this generator, hence the problem would not be solved!]

We thank you for your letter and hope that you will accept our offer.

Sincerely,

Eric E Hansen

Supervisor Service Switchgear Systems

Kohler Power Systems, Americas

Eric,

This generator is falling apart. I spent $800+ on repairs this fall and now need to replace the control box support for another $1,050. This is unfair.

I now need to replace the generator with one that has an aluminum housing.  A 50 kw or 60 kw LP unit would work (50RES? Or 50 RZGB or 60RZG would be the likely replacement units).

What I believe to be a fair outcome would be for you to sell me a new generator unit at 20% discount from wholesale dealer price. In this manner, you are still making money on the new unit.

I have used a distributor of yours, South Shore Generator since the outset. They have serviced the unit from the get go.

I need to replace the existing unit with one with an aluminum housing. If you will not grant me this reasonable, modest accommodation then I will replace it with a unit from another manufacturer.

Your/ the company’s response thus far has been disappointing at best.

I spent several thousand dollars protecting the unit by erecting an enclosure, only to learn that it likely exacerbated the problem. Now I am facing with increasing repairs with the best course of action being to replace the unit, remove the walls around the unit to allow for more air to circulate and then to install a “roof” over the unit, underneath the decking above the unit to protect it from moisture in the salt air- so that water does not drip down on the unit from the decking above it.

I am asking Kohler to help me out at no real cost to itself. If Kohler sells me a replacement unit at cost or a modest premium to its cost, how would it be injured? I will still have to pay shipping and installation.

I wait your response as I will replace the unit this spring.

Very Truly yours,

Jeff B.